Kia India rolled out updates to the Sonet compact SUV for the MY26 model year. The changes include new automatic transmission pairings for diesel and turbo-petrol engines in mid-spec variants, with prices starting below Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). This move makes the automatic transmission variant more accessible for budget-conscious buyers.
The 1.5-litre diesel engine, which is tuned to produce 116 hp and 250 Nm, now gets a 6-speed torque converter automatic from the HTE(O) variant at Rs 9.78 lakh. Higher trims like HTK(O), HTK+, and HTK+(O) also offer this combination. Previously, diesel automatics began at upper mid-spec levels.
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With this change, Sonet has also become one of the most affordable automatic vehicles available in the Indian market. It is to be noted that this combination is known to offer ARAI-rated mileage, which stands at 18.6kmpl for the diesel AT. Meanwhile, the diesel MT claims 22.3 kmpl.
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On the petrol side, the 1.0-litre turbo unit, which is tuned to produce 120 hp of power and 172 Nm of peak torque, comes paired with a 7-speed DCT automatic starting at Rs 9.89 lakh in HTK(O). HTK+ follows suit. These options fill gaps where only manuals or iMT were available in these trims.
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Besides the turbo petrol and diesel engine, the Sonet also gets the option of a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. This unit is tuned to produce 81 hp of power and 115 Nm of peak torque.
Entry-level features across these variants cover six airbags, ESC, hill-start assist, and rear parking sensors. HTK+ adds an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity, rear camera, and cruise control.
Kia Sonet is currently sold at a starting price of Rs 7.30 lakh (ex-showroom) and competes against models like the Mahindra XUV 3XO, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon, Skoda Kylaq, and others in the same segment.
